Seminar paper from the year 2008 in the subject Didactics for the subject English — Pedagogy, Literature Studies, grade: 2, 3, University of Rostock, language: English, abstract: 2. Definition of short stories
Modern short stories came into existence between 1830 and 1850 from tales and sketches. In the 19th century short stories flourished in the America, whereas in short stories Britain played a second role to the dominant novel . In the 20th century short stories were very modern, they were a reaction against the Victorian Age, where the world was a place of certainties. Short stories tried to negate these principles by reflecting changes, that were happening in the world. A new interest in psychology rose, rather than paying attention to form or style. The metaphor and symbols had a greater prominence and ambiguity became the norm especially with the loss of the all- seing, all knowing narrative voice. It is typical for the 20th century that the things left out are just as important as information put in.
A short story is a work of fiction which varies in length and has not yet a clear distinction amongst professional writers, it is usually written in prose and narrative format.